Who's going to Internext or AEE?

[Evil Chris]

I'd like to schedule a little GT at the Krispy Kreme in the Venetian.

Anyone game?

[softball]

Why are you going, Evil?

[EmporerEJ]

Originally Posted by Evil Chris

I'd like to schedule a little GT at the Krispy Kreme in the Venetian.

Anyone game?

Just don't trust Gonzo to save any Donuts.....

[Evil Chris]

Originally Posted by EmporerEJ

Just don't trust Gonzo to save any Donuts.....

I'm buying.

[gonzo]

Im not going.

[miz_wright]

GT?

I'm in. I can be the Southern Contingent.

[RawAlex]

Very little chance, unless I think I can make money at poker. There is more money on the tables at MGM than there is in the porn business right now.

[Evil Chris]

Originally Posted by RawAlex

Very little chance, unless I think I can make money at poker. There is more money on the tables at MGM than there is in the porn business right now.

I will sit and play some poker with you Alex. I did pretty good last year over at Mandalay for a few hours.

[Mediaguy]

Krispy Kreme? What's the attraction?

[softball]

Originally Posted by Mediaguy

Krispy Kreme? What's the attraction?

Well, it used to be Dom, Grey Goose etc. Now its KK. 'nuff said.

[RawAlex]

Originally Posted by Evil Chris

I will sit and play some poker with you Alex. I did pretty good last year over at Mandalay for a few hours.

heh-heh... you need an iron butt to keep up. last time I was there it was 10-12 hours a day, plus over to one of the smaller places for the 3 AM touranament.

Last place I played was the Grand Lisboa in Macau. Classy place

[housekeeper]

I'll be there in spirit...

[EmporerEJ]

Originally Posted by Mediaguy

Krispy Kreme? What's the attraction?

Have you ever HAD a Krispy Kreme?
Are you as member of the FFN club?

Plus, you know, Gonzo in the fur and shades.
That's almost worth the walk, to see.

[Evil Chris]

OK I'm definitely setting some time aside for some poker. Just talking 'bout it has given me the bug to play.

With regards to Krispy Kreme. I first tried it about 10 years ago at the Venetian. Subsequently, many of them opened (and closed) in eastern Canada including several in Montreal. I believe they are all closed now. Ours on the West Island closed first.

Gonzo used to pass out KK donuts at Internexts years ago. I guess he and the FFN's have fallen on hard times, so I am willing to pick up where he left off.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Evil Chris

OK I'm definitely setting some time aside for some poker. Just talking 'bout it has given me the bug to play.

With regards to Krispy Kreme. I first tried it about 10 years ago at the Venetian. Subsequently, many of them opened (and closed) in eastern Canada including several in Montreal. I believe they are all closed now. Ours on the West Island closed first.

Gonzo used to pass out KK donuts at Internexts years ago. I guess he and the FFN's have fallen on hard times, so I am willing to pick up where he left off.

Thanks Chris.

Your right after 7 years I probably need to pick up another client to make ends meet around here.

[EmporerEJ]

Originally Posted by Evil Chris

With regards to Krispy Kreme. I first tried it about 10 years ago at the Venetian. Subsequently, many of them opened (and closed) in eastern Canada including several in Montreal. I believe they are all closed now. Ours on the West Island closed first.

Yet another Canadian problem.
They are going strong here.
Stock sucks, but the donuts are still good.

[DannyCox]

Up here, the Donut Places are more to do with the quality of the coffee than the actual donuts. While I enjoyed a KK now and then (a wee bit too sweet for my tastes), they just didn't have good coffee. That was their downfall.

[softball]

Originally Posted by DannyCox

Up here, the Donut Places are more to do with the quality of the coffee than the actual donuts. While I enjoyed a KK now and then (a wee bit too sweet for my tastes), they just didn't have good coffee. That was their downfall.

and they don't have a hockey school.

[EmporerEJ]

Originally Posted by DannyCox

Up here, the Donut Places are more to do with the quality of the coffee than the actual donuts. While I enjoyed a KK now and then (a wee bit too sweet for my tastes), they just didn't have good coffee. That was their downfall.

Well, as I've always said, Canada (Toronto at least) has the best White Bread I've ever had.

No American cheese though......

Dunno about the coffee, I'm a tea man.

[Hell Puppy]

I'm not sure I see the point of going to this or any other show right now. We've long belabored the point that the shows themselves haven't adapted in order to offer value to attendees and sponsors.

What's to be gained?

I mean, if you're going looking for affiliates to send you traffic now, wow, 1998 is calling and it wants you to know you've been left behind. Conversely, if you have traffic to sell, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you probably have a darned good idea of the places you can send it that will pay you.

Those still standing are smart enough that it'll take more than a hired hand in an affliction shirt wearing ugly oversized look-at-me Brietlings or blowjobs from "reps" who have worked for 4 different companies since last year to convince them to partner up for some business development.

Content, software tools, processing? Really, I think the business is small enough at this point, that we all know where to get these things.

Now employees will always want to go. Heck, it's a free trip for them and time away from doing real work. We'll see the "best show ever, got tons of business done!" threads as we always do in a couple of weeks. And why not, these shows also give them a chance to line up the next job.

I do enjoy Vegas. But frankly I'd be more inclined to go anytime OTHER than CES with a handful of true friends and business partners and just have a good time. There'll be less crowds and the town wont be gummed up with guys who bring a knit shirt with a logo and a $20 bill with no intentions of changing either one.

[softball]

The only people I have talked to that are going, like hp said, are employees. I am amazed that they keep blowing the dust off the defibrillator and firing it up one more time.
Evil, could you give us a list or solid reasons to attend this year?

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

The only people I have talked to that are going, like hp said, are employees. I am amazed that they keep blowing the dust off the defibrillator and firing it up one more time.
Evil, could you give us a list or solid reasons to attend this year?

"Now employees will always want to go. Heck, it's a free trip for them and time away from doing real work. We'll see the "best show ever, got tons of business done!" threads as we always do in a couple of weeks. And why not, these shows also give them a chance to line up the next job."

[softball]

And why not, these shows also give them a chance to line up the next job

[Jim_Gunn]

I will be at both AEE & Internext 2011 next week, as usual. I don't share all your negative attitudes. I always get at least one new gig or business deal accomplished out of a trade show and I am sure that this year will be no different. There's still a lot of money to be made in adult, you just have to be real clever, hard working, have high quality content and know your niche.

[softball]

Well so far, that's two donuts Evil.

[EmporerEJ]

Originally Posted by Jim_Gunn

I will be at both AEE & Internext 2011 next week, as usual. I don't share all your negative attitudes. I always get at least one new gig or business deal accomplished out of a trade show and I am sure that this year will be no different. There's still a lot of money to be made in adult, you just have to be real clever, hard working, have high quality content and know your niche.

I think that's a good attitude. And since I'm NOT yet a multi-millionaire, There is apparently something I still don't know. So, if I could, I'd be there.
I'll be there in spirit. (Set me aside a "spiritual" donut.)

[softball]

I guess if I thought I could make any money out of it, and it was close I would go. But all I see is pitchmen pitching pitchmen and that is not my business. I think that somebody like Jim who is pitching photo services would do more business at something like that than a small niche business. But the donuts were tempting.

[Jim_Gunn]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

I guess if I thought I could make any money out of it, and it was close I would go. But all I see is pitchmen pitching pitchmen and that is not my business. I think that somebody like Jim who is pitching photo services would do more business at something like that than a small niche business. But the donuts were tempting.

A trade show isn't about pitching anything. People will avoid you if you are coming on like a pitch man trying to sell yourself that hard. You have to think in the long term, and just hang out and network and meet interesting people and pick their brains. Sometimes you learn something or meet someone you never expected to and it turns out to lead to business or opportunities weeks or months later. Even if you have the smallest niche business and don't think that you need anyone else or need to sell services of any kind, there is always something to be learned or accomplished through casual conversations with other successful people in all apects of the biz from billing to blogs to pay sites to designers and programmers or whoever else you meet. That's how I look at it.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by Jim_Gunn

A trade show isn't about pitching anything. People will avoid you if you are coming on like a pitch man trying to sell yourself that hard. You have to think in the long term, and just hang out and network and meet interesting people and pick their brains. Sometimes you learn something or meet someone you never expected to and it turns out to lead to business or opportunities weeks or months later. Even if you have the smallest niche business and don't think that you need anyone else or need to sell services of any kind, there is always something to be learned or accomplished through casual conversations with other successful people in all apects of the biz from billing to blogs to pay sites to designers and programmers or whoever else you meet. That's how I look at it.

I agree with all that, but there are far better shows for doing that than Vegas Internext.

[softball]

I would agree with Jim as well. But would I ultimately make an extra three grand that it would cost to go to Las Vegas or would I be better off using that three grand on locations, models, equipment, side design. Like I said if it was just down the road, I would drop in. I think there are a lot of people today with that same opinion. It will be interesting to see who shows up.

[vdc-Loki]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

I'm not sure I see the point of going to this or any other show right now. We've long belabored the point that the shows themselves haven't adapted in order to offer value to attendees and sponsors.

What's to be gained?

I mean, if you're going looking for affiliates to send you traffic now, wow, 1998 is calling and it wants you to know you've been left behind. Conversely, if you have traffic to sell, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you probably have a darned good idea of the places you can send it that will pay you.

Those still standing are smart enough that it'll take more than a hired hand in an affliction shirt wearing ugly oversized look-at-me Brietlings or blowjobs from "reps" who have worked for 4 different companies since last year to convince them to partner up for some business development.

Content, software tools, processing? Really, I think the business is small enough at this point, that we all know where to get these things.

Now employees will always want to go. Heck, it's a free trip for them and time away from doing real work. We'll see the "best show ever, got tons of business done!" threads as we always do in a couple of weeks. And why not, these shows also give them a chance to line up the next job.

I do enjoy Vegas. But frankly I'd be more inclined to go anytime OTHER than CES with a handful of true friends and business partners and just have a good time. There'll be less crowds and the town wont be gummed up with guys who bring a knit shirt with a logo and a $20 bill with no intentions of changing either one.

here here!

Pretty much ALL of what you said is the reason I've NEVER attended a show in all these years, I just never saw the point of it myself, as a one man band it's just not in my best interest to spend all the money to get from Michigan to a show, rooms, food, etc etc when I can get the same amount of biz done the way I've done it all this time...

Phone, email, boards, messengers

People have told me over the years "you GOTTA go, you more so then others!"

But to them I've always said: "I make and sell a niche product, I ONLY sell 10 licenses per package, and it takes me up to 1 month to make a package, HOW would getting even 50% more buyers help me if I can't provide them my content?"

I dunno lol, but I'll take an EJ spirit doughnut as well

-Loki-

[miz_wright]

Originally Posted by Jim_Gunn

A trade show isn't about pitching anything. People will avoid you if you are coming on like a pitch man trying to sell yourself that hard. You have to think in the long term, and just hang out and network and meet interesting people and pick their brains. Sometimes you learn something or meet someone you never expected to and it turns out to lead to business or opportunities weeks or months later. Even if you have the smallest niche business and don't think that you need anyone else or need to sell services of any kind, there is always something to be learned or accomplished through casual conversations with other successful people in all apects of the biz from billing to blogs to pay sites to designers and programmers or whoever else you meet. That's how I look at it.

Originally Posted by Toby

I agree with all that, but there are far better shows for doing that than Vegas Internext.

There are as many ways to work a show and build a business as there are people at that show and businesses in the world. What Works for Jim may not work for Toby, and Toby's methodology may not be appropriate for HellPuppy. Everyone has slightly different goals when they make the choice to go or not - some go because they are better in person than online, some go because they are looking for another job, some go because it's a way to expand their personal sphere.

None are more right than the others, they are just different goals for different people. *shrug*

[softball]

Originally Posted by miz_wright

There are as many ways to work a show and build a business as there are people at that show and businesses in the world. What Works for Jim may not work for Toby, and Toby's methodology may not be appropriate for HellPuppy. Everyone has slightly different goals when they make the choice to go or not - some go because they are better in person than online, some go because they are looking for another job, some go because it's a way to expand their personal sphere.

None are more right than the others, they are just different goals for different people. *shrug*

But the question is, if you are paying for it yourself, not your company with an expense account with free hotels and airfare and salary...will you make more money than it costs both in time and cash? There was a time when all those costs for small businesses could be justified by content trading. There was a time when the costs could be eaten up by parties and free sponsored events.
I used to go to a lot of broadcast trade shows and they were always worth it because there was new and interesting gizmos to see and plan for in the future. There was technology that was five years aways, but you could plan your business for that. The big companies like Sony would truly look after you, spend time, and explain their products.
It was more about the future than the present and not all about current sales but future capabilities. I don't see that here.

[Evil Chris]

All debating aside, if you're going and you want to meet up for a social... you have my number.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by miz_wright

There are as many ways to work a show and build a business as there are people at that show and businesses in the world. What Works for Jim may not work for Toby, and Toby's methodology may not be appropriate for HellPuppy. Everyone has slightly different goals when they make the choice to go or not - some go because they are better in person than online, some go because they are looking for another job, some go because it's a way to expand their personal sphere.

None are more right than the others, they are just different goals for different people. *shrug*

oh, i'm all about listening and learning. heck, i'll even share a tidbit here and there in polite company.

but one thing that has been common for me for every show i've ever been to is the thought of the value. i typically hit the show with an agenda and 2-3 very realistic attainable goals. i usually get those out of the way within first day or so. in which case i have an unstated additional goal of have a little fun.

but for me and my current business model, there's nothing going to be at that show that allows me to justify the expense. and if i'm going to spend the money just to have some fun, i'd frankly rather do it when the town isn't packed.

room and airfare is $1500 or so by itself. registration is what? $200-300? i'll usually pick up at least one dinner for a group of friends someplace nice, that'll typically be $1000 or so with tip, drinks, etc. throw in other meals, bar tabs, cab rides, you can easily roll up another $1000. and let's not even talk about gambling money.

admittedly, i'm not a cheap date, and I refuse to go on the Anal Hobbit plan, but my Vegas bill is typically in the $5K neighborhood.

i'm an S Corp, so although the trip is at least tax deductible, that still comes right off the bottom line. i can afford the trip, that's not an issue, but it's just like any other expense.

evaluating that expense to me is no different than deciding whether to buy a new notebook, a larger monitor or any other business expense. do i NEED it or will I see a reasonable return for the investment? for me the answer right now is no.

applying that kind of scrutiny to expenses is exactly why i CAN afford it. i cant tell you how many people i know of who have made small fortunes in this business but now do not have two nickels to rub together.

now if someone else was paying my way or reimbursing me for expenses....hell yeah, i'm there! it would be the best show ever!

[andreajmata]

I'm going. I'm looking forward to seeing who is still around, and who I can work with. Mostly I need to put my face out there again under a different label.

On a personal level I have no interest in looking for the next job. I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to work with this company and I'll likely stick around as long as they want me to. I'm not a job hopping type, and I'm rather picky about requiring a certain amount of integrity in my employers - after all - I'm putting my name on the line for them as well.

In a lot of ways I think a certain amount of face time is important in this industry. We spend the vast majority of our time behind the glare of monitors and plinking on keyboards. I want to have a chance to get to know the people behind the words/and or pictures.

[RawAlex]

HP, you are doing what most of us are doing. Now that the easy money has left the building, everyone has to learn that this is a business, a bottom line business, and that 5k can be spent in other ways that will make more money.

[DannyCox]

I would probably go, just to get away, but the last few years we just haven't been able to travel anywhere due to family. It looks like it'll be a couple of more years yet before we can start travelling again.

[gonzo]

Your welcome to borrow this for a promo Chris.
Have fun.

[tony404]

Here you go everyone : it was the greatest show I ever went to, yeah it had 75% less people but that made it more personal. I did a ton of business and made many serious contacts.

[Evil Chris]

Well blah... the Krispy Kreme is no long there. Too bad, as I was really looking forward to one. It's been awhile.

Had a great show though.

[EmporerEJ]

Originally Posted by Evil Chris

Well blah... the Krispy Kreme is no long there. Too bad, as I was really looking forward to one. It's been awhile.

Had a great show though.

Really? That sucks.
I wonder if that's because my KKD fell from $34 when we bought it, to about $4? now?

[softball]

So, Evil...what you are really saying is it was a big Fail. In fact there is zero chatter on the boards about this show.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by Evil Chris

I'd like to schedule a little GT at the Krispy Kreme in the Venetian.

Anyone game?

Are you at the forum by chance?